A Play

by Dagmar Papula

 

Once upon a time there were two brothers: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. They lived together and dedicated their lives to the science of the German language and their great passion for fairy tales. Their father had died early, their mother had fallen into dark melancholy and their sister Lotte took care of their household. But one fine day Lotte decided to get married and moved away. Now one of them had to get married. The choice fell on Wilhelm.

Along came Dortchen and together they asked for her hand in marriage. She agreed, moved in with the brothers and gave birth to three children. And so they lived happily ever after...if there hadn't been the unhappy circumstances to contend with.

Despite their unrelenting efforts towards the German culture and language the brothers fall from favour. They are forced to move away from their beloved Kassel to G&oouml;ttingen - accompanied by the Bremer Town Musicians. "A better fate than death will await us everywhere". But luck is not on their side. This time their political activities cause their downfall. Jacob is chased out of town over night.

The Grimms go into exile in G&oouml;ttingen - frowned upon and avoided by society. Bettine von Arnim, an old friend of the brothers, pleads their case to the Prussian crown prince - successfully. Jacob, Wilhelm, Dortchenand the children move to Berlin where they can live, work and die honourably.

"...and they lived happily ever after". Brüder Grimm was especially written for this event.